Thread: Bunnings vs The Rest

All I can suggest is let your fingers do the walking ... Then start ringing for advice. Don't be proud.

For things like framing pine, I would probably always head to bunnings or Mitre 10.

For ply, I would google "ply board manly" and see what comes up. Ring someone for advice, if they can't help, ask them who they might recommend. Then ring them. And so on.

For exotics. I have used Brittons Timbers ... Nice folks, and close to me, but not sure where they are in Sydney (google tells me Jedda rd, prestons ?)

Also, drop in or call a couple of local cabinet makers to see who they recommend ...

Then once you have found your supply chain, be loyal (but not to your own detriment of course). Over time, they will remember you.

don't forget Kimbriki Tip, not far from you. Good for ordinary timber, and you can pick up a piano while you are there. And then H & G at Brookvale are a Bunnings alternative. I am sure you already know 'bout Mr Ply&wood at Brookvale and Hornsby.

Actually I have the exact same question for the Melbourne area.

I went to a couple of timber yards/suppliers and each time really rude people and really not helpful.

Anyway had to leave these 2 places with really bad experience without buying anything ( They didn't even want to cut the timber in half so it could fit in my car ) so would love to find some helpful people maybe in a smaller shop ?

I think I have heard some good things about a timber yard in port melbourne ?

thx guys

Jon

My 2 cents for newbies is:

Bunnings/Masters etc - structural ply for shop projects only,their ply is always green/wonky etc. Form ply excellent for jigs etc

Exotics/cabinet grade - google and or yellow pages

scan gumtree, trading post, ebay for recycled wood and haggle, I picked up a trailer load from a boat builder for 150 bucks, its lasted me years!

the tip etc! and stockpile the stuff, it allows the wood to dry, age till your ready.

Good luck!

Thanks for the great replies... But you've ruined me. Now I want to use all recycled timber! Thats fine, but now I'll have to change my design...

I live in Caulfield.
I very rarely purchase timber at my nearest hardware store due to small selection and price.
The next closest hardware store is also a timber yard so bigger selection, good service but not so good price. Prices not shown on racks and a hassle to check price before purchase.
Most of the time for pine or ply I go to Bunnings where there is a large selection but not so good service. They will cut goods down, unless staff are busy elsewhere or the equipment is out of service.
If there is a particular type of timber I require it is off to A Lewis in Ormond. Huge variety of timber, sizes and mouldings. Will dock lengths to size. Great advice and service but you do need to pay a bit more. Open Monday to Friday and Saturday Morning.

Hope this helps.

Hey Handyjack,


I live in Caulfield too. I can't believe I have never seen that place before it is 4min drive from my place. Google is not that reliable

Thx for that I'll go and check it out tomorrow morning.

Jom

Just got back from A Lewis.

Thank so much Handyjack they are the loveliest people I have ever met in a timber yard. Amazingly helpful about everything and willing to spend extra time to help with personal projects / tips etc.

The go to place in the Ormond area

Jon

And if you're like me try building sites. It's staggering what gets thrown out and all you need to do is ask - they are usually only too happy to have someone use it. After all they pay to have it taken away!

Cheers
Dave

Wolfie,

Get yourself to the Sydney timber and working with wood show. There will be timber merchants there. Its only seven days away. Want to get in free then click the link at the top of the screen and volunteer to be on the forum stand. Want to go but unable to be on the stand click the other link to get in for a reduced price.

Brookvale

try Bruynzeel for ply - I've purchased from them and am happy with their service

http://www.bruynzeel.com.au/plywoods.html

and I beleive Warringah timbers are pretty decent.

http://www.warringahtimbers.com/

but having said that I've never been there

If you live in or near Manly, you are also very close to a heap of wood and ply suppliers and importers up around Brookvale, you just have to find where they are hidden. One of the high grade birch importers is up there, as well as a heap of yacht outfitters - one I remember from years ago is/was Caporn who imported all sorts of birch and beech as well as pseudo-teak.

It really does pay to shop about. I got a big bunch of mgp12 Mitre 10 and at the best price going.But I looked

Greendale Timbers Brookvale. Near Warringah Mall.

http://www.greendaletimbers.com.au